Israel announced on Sunday that it would suspend the entry of supplies into Gaza, warning of “consequences” for Hamas if the group did not accept a proposal for extending a temporary truce in the region.
A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that all goods and supplies would be halted starting that morning. It also emphasized that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire unless the hostages held by Hamas were released, threatening further actions if Hamas continued to refuse the terms.
Hamas condemned the decision, labeling it a “war crime” and accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, which had entered its final phase after 42 days. The proposed truce extension, suggested by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, would last through Ramadan and conclude around Passover in mid-April.
Under the proposed terms, half of the remaining hostages would be freed when the extension takes effect, with the rest to be released if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.
Hamas rejected the move, calling it “blackmail” and accusing Israel of undermining the ceasefire. The group has long advocated for a transition to the second phase of the ceasefire, which would include the release of all hostages and a more permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Following the announcement, Netanyahu’s spokesman confirmed on social media that no trucks had entered Gaza, and none would be allowed to do so at this stage.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose party plays a key role in keeping Netanyahu’s government in power, expressed support for the suspension of aid. He called it an important step toward victory, demanding Hamas’s complete destruction or surrender.
Hamas, in turn, called for international pressure to halt the measures, which it decried as punitive and immoral, affecting the more than two million people living in Gaza.
The 15-month-long conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the UN warning of impending famine before the ceasefire allowed vital aid to flow into the territory.
AFP
